Oh, but this is interesting--yes, I tell you--I, who have seen many strange things--this is interesting." Perrichet returned with a canvas bag, into which Hanaud placed the jewel-cases.

He sealed the bag in the presence of the four men and handed it to Besnard.

He replaced the block of wood in the floor, covered it over again with the rug, and rose to his feet.
"Listen!" he said, in a low voice, and with a gravity which impressed them all.

"There is something in this house which I do not understand.
I have told you so.

I tell you something more now.